Surrender

Published in The Path of Poetry

What a joy it is to be reminded of something you love. And a greater joy yet, to be invited into a space that encourages you to follow your heart; to nurture the bubbling up of creativity inside.

I feel such gratitude for Graham Wardle and incredible people of the Time Has Come community for reminding me of the power of poetry, and my love of writing.

It is an honor to be included in Graham’s most recent book, The Path of Poetry, alongside the work of so many beautiful, creative people. I am continuously touched by their authenticity, courage, kindness and encouragement.

When I was invited to submit a piece for inclusion in the book, there were many poems I could have chosen, but Surrender simply grabbed ahold and wouldn’t let go. So, I surrendered and sent it in!

If you want to experience a totally new kind of poetry book, one that invites you on the creative journeys of it’s authors, this compilation is a treat. (It can be found here.) And in the meantime, here’s a sneak peak.

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 SURRENDER

Within the vastness of my being
a facet curls into herself, doubting. 
Another lashes out like a tempest, 
impatient with her uncertainty. 

What if, instead, 
I hold that shaken part gently
within the light of me? 

"Dear One, it is okay
to feel the tightness in your chest, 
the lump in your throat. 
To leap with courage is not all glory and valor. 
Sometimes you land magnificently, only to collapse to your knees in tears. 
Strength and wisdom to not fall to ruin
with one faltering step."

I have stood a sister to the stones, 
reaching heavenward with the mountaintops, 
have lain bare in the womb of the earth, 
and brushed the warm, rough cheek of intimacy awakening. 
I have danced with the stars upon dewy grass. 

So let the waves of uncertainty crash. 
I surrender to the ancient ebb and flow of the tide. 
And if, with gentle hands, I go sifting, 
what treasures might I find
washed upon the shore
of the vastness of my being? 

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I wrote this poem at a time when I was growing in courage, trust and tenderness with myself. Shifting my perspective away from impatience to gentleness and curiosity made space for insight and unexpected blessings.

Why is it so easy to be harsh with ourselves? Perhaps we learned self-criticism as a coping mechanism and it became habitual.

I invite you to consider one thing you can do today to offer compassion to yourself. It could be as simple as placing a hand on your heart and whispering “I love you. I’m listening.” And then listen for a moment…

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